Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended Malaysia’s condolences following the death of former Timor-Leste president Francisco Guterres, describing him as a respected leader who played a pivotal role in his country’s struggle for independence.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said Guterres, widely known as Lú-Olo, was among the generation of leaders who fought for Timor-Leste’s freedom and remained committed to building a democratic nation.
“On behalf of Malaysia, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Timor-Leste,” he said.
Anwar noted that Guterres spent decades in the resistance movement before serving his nation as President of the National Parliament and later as President of Timor-Leste.
“Malaysia shares the sorrow of the people of Timor-Leste. He will be remembered here with great respect and affection,” he added.
According to Timor Today News, Guterres died on Sunday at the age of 71 at Prince Court Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur after receiving intensive treatment.
Guterres served as Timor-Leste’s president from 2017 to 2022 and was regarded as one of the country’s most prominent independence figures.
